Cops use meth-related warrant in rural Bellevue

Local authorities used a warrant at a rural Bellevue residence Thursday morning in connection with an ongoing investigation of methamphetamine manufacturing.

Just after 8 a.m., the Bellevue Police Department, with assistance from the Huron County Sheriff's Office, executed a search warrant at 1266 Section Line Road 30.

"This was in connection with the ongoing investigation of the meth lab and search warrant this past Monday ... on Thomas Drive here in Bellevue," police Chief Mark Kaufman said in a prepared statement.

Shortly after 9 p.m. Monday, police, agents with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and Sandusky County sheriff's deputies used a search warrant at 119 Thomas Drive, Apt. F.

Julie A. Singleton, 43, was arrested and charged with illegal manufacturing of drugs, illegal possession of chemicals to manufacture drugs, deception to obtain a dangerous drug and three misdemeanor counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.

She must post a $150,000 bond before being released from the Sandusky County Jail. Singleton's next hearing in Bellevue Municipal Court is scheduled for Tuesday.

"On Section Line Road (30), detectives found numerous items and substances that were taken as evidence that is directly used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine," Kaufman said.

Several of these items will be taken to BCI for testing. Police also have submitted items related to the Thomas Drive warrant.

Police were notified about the suspected meth lab about 5:40 p.m. Monday. A woman told officers she was at a friend's house "when she found out that the individual had a meth lab in her house," police said. The tipster couldn't provide Singleton's last name, but she knew her first name was Julie.

"Upon searching the apartment, officers located suspected methamphetamine cooking pots and BCI deemed the area to be unsafe," Kaufman said.

Sgt. Tom Saleski determined there were two juveniles in the residence and contacted Sandusky County Children Services.

"The Bellevue Fire Department was contacted and responded to assist with the scene. Officers evacuated residents from their apartments that were directly touching the affected apartment for (their) safety," Kaufman said.

BCI agents took over the scene and with the assistance of firefighters, seized the suspected meth cook pots and other unspecified items from the apartment.

"The Bellevue Police Department has a current felony arrest warrant for John S. Ruffing in connection with this investigation and (most recent) search warrant. Further charges are pending results at BCI in Bowling Green, Ohio," Kaufman said.

No charges had been filed in municipal court against Ruffing as of late Thursday afternoon.